Coetzee lauds Boks' physicality in Padua

REACTION: Springboks head coach Allister Coetzee was pleased with his side's performance up front in difficult conditions against Italy in Padua on Saturday.

The Boks scored five tries on their way to a comfortable 35-6 win over the Italians in a rain-soaked encounter.

It was the Boks second win on their November Tour after their narrow victory over France in Paris last week.

"I think it was a clinical performance from the team," Coetzee told reporters after the match.

"I am very pleased with our physicality. I am also pleased with the set-piece performance. The scrums and line-outs and our defence, in general, was really superb."

Coetzee added: "The first ten minutes we were under the cosh and the Italians were coming phase after phase. We conceded two penalties and they got the six points and it stayed six for the rest of the game [for Italy], so it was really a pleasing performance.

"I think the most important thing for us is how we've learned again on this year's European Tour, playing in these type of conditions."

Meanwhile, three overseas-based players – Francois Louw, Francois Mostert and Duane Vermeulen – will return to their respective clubs on Sunday, while Siyamthanda Kolisi will re-join the Springbok squad in Wales, having missed the Italian Test because of the birth of his second child.

Japan-based Elton Jantjies will remain with the team for their last tour match, next Saturday against Wales in Cardiff.

Tendai Mtawarira sustained a groin injury in the first half of the Italian Test and a call on his availability will be made later in the week.

The Springboks will travel to Cardiff on Sunday, where they will prepare themselves for their last Test of the November Tour at the Millennium Stadium.